A batch of PAC-3 MSE missiles for Patriot anti-aircraft missile systems, which were purchased under
What is known
As part of the first phase of the Wisla programThe Polish Armed Forces purchased 208 PAC-3 MSE interceptors. The missiles for the Patriot are manufactured by the American company Lockheed Martin. They allow you to provide protection against a wide range of airborne threats, including aircraft, helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles, as well as ballistic and cruise missiles.
The Patriot launcher holds up to 12 missiles.In the first phase of the Wisla program, Poland acquired 16 launchers to form two batteries of 8 units. The PAC-3 MSE is equipped with an active radar seeker, which allows the interceptor to operate without a dedicated radar. The missile receives data about the target thanks to the integrated combat control system IBCS (Integrated Air and Missile Defense Battle Command System).
Do ????????Sił Zbrojnych sukcesywnie dostarczane są elementy zakontraktowane w ramach I fazy programu #WISŁA. Oprócz wyrzutni #PATRIOT, systemu #IBCS, radarów i innego sprzętu wojskowego na wyposażenie 3 Warszawskiej Brygady Rakietowej Obrony Powietrznej trafiły też pociski PAC-3 MSE. pic.twitter.com/61GeVRR1m8
— Krzysztof Płatek (@krzysztof_atek) March 9, 2023
The United States experienced for the first timeanti-aircraft missile system Patriot PAC-3 in 1997, and three years later it was put into service. Patriot PAC-3 can destroy targets at an altitude of up to 20 km, which are moving at a speed of 1600 m/s. The effective range and height of the PAC-3 MSE remain a mystery. Probably, the height exceeds 30 km.
The PAC-3 MSE offers a wide range of options forcountering fast and maneuvering threats. At the same time, the Pentagon states that the full potential of the new missile will be revealed only after the integration of the LTAMDS radar.